Motorcycle with a multifunctional device

ABSTRACT

A motorcycle includes a display unit for representing information on the driving state and operating parameters of the motorcycle, an operating unit to generate control commands for controlling the display unit, and a multifunctional device with a screen. An application can be installed on the multifunctional device to allow other applications installed on the multifunctional device to be opened. The selection of further applications to be opened by the application can be represented on the screen in the form of pictograms. A control unit uses control commands for controlling the application, and the further applications to be opened by the application can be transmitted to the multifunctional device. The control commands for controlling the application, and the further applications to be opened by the application, can be generated by the operating unit, and a switching device can switch between control of the display unit and control of the multifunctional device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a set comprising a motorcycle with

-   -   a display unit for representing information on the driving state        and on operating parameters of the motorcycle,    -   an operating unit, which may generate control commands for        controlling the display unit,    -   a multifunctional device, releasably attachable in a holder,        comprising a screen, wherein an application can be installed on        the multifunctional device, using which further applications        installed on the multifunctional device can be opened, wherein        the selection of further applications, which can be opened by        the application, can be represented on the screen in the form of        pictograms,    -   a control unit, using which control commands for controlling the        application and the further applications, which can be opened by        the application, can be transmitted to the multifunctional        device.

DE 10 2016 203 194 discloses a motorcycle with an operating unit forinfluencing motorcycle functions, in particular a display function. Inthat, an additional operating unit is provided, arranged to issue radiocontrol commands, in particular to influence radio device functions. Acontrol device is coupled with the operating unit and the additionaloperating unit via a data link. The control device is arranged forcontrolling motorcycle functions and for receiving radio controlcommands issued by the additional operating unit, on the basis of whicha radio device, as for example a mobile phone, can be controlled via asending device provided in the control device. This operating unit hasthe disadvantage that the additional operating unit is arranged at thehandlebar, causing a distraction from the operation of the motorcycle.This represents a substantial safety risk.

DE 10 2016 202 729 discloses a grip switch for a motorcycle, comprisinga composite switch, which is exclusively suitable for operating, e.g., anavigation device integrated in the cockpit of the motorcycle, whilebeing aligned with other switches. Thus, the navigation device can beoperated by the rider via the composite switch, while the rider is inthe riding position and capable of controlling other functions of themotorcycle via the existing switches. The composite switch as well asthe other switches are arranged in the housing of the grip switch. Thenavigation device can be replaced by a smartphone or a similar mobileelectronic device. With this grip switch, too, the disadvantage isassociated, that the composite switch represents an additional operatingunit at the handlebar, the operation of which causes distraction, whichin particular with motorcycles represents a considerable safety risk.

In an increasing number of motorcycles, a holder for a smartphone isinstalled, which is used for different functions during motorcycletours. Mostly, these are older motorcycles or motorcycles, the displaysof which do not yet offer connectivity features, such as, e.g.,navigation functions or music functions, via a link to a navigationdevice or a smartphone, resp. In that, holders are quite oftensubsequently attached to the motorcycle. Particularly appreciated inthat is the advantage of navigation via a smartphone, which is takenalong for any motorcycle tour anyway. Operation of a smartphone attachedthis way, however, is extremely cumbersome and practically impossiblewhile driving, especially since neither the keys nor the touchscreen ofthe smartphone can be operated while wearing motorcycle gloves.

In the state of the art, it is also known to additionally arrange anavigation device in the cockpit of motorcycles next to a display unit,on which essential information about the motorcycle state, such as, forexample, speed or velocity, are represented, wherein the navigationdevice is connected with the display unit via a data line. In that, anoperating unit can be provided, using which the display unit as well asthe navigation device can be controlled, wherein there is a selectionvia a switching device, whether the display unit or the navigationdevice is controlled. Since this is a proprietary system, there is noscope for creativity for the user. In addition, such systems have thedisadvantage that the necessary data lines require additional effort andmust already be pre-assembled upon assembly of the motorcycle. Thus, onthe whole, it is an inflexible solution, wherein, in addition,subsequent installation normally is not possible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an objective of the present invention to avoid theabove disadvantages and to provide a set with a motorcycle and amultifunctional device, in which, on the one hand, the possibility tocontrol the multifunctional device is provided, without the rider beingdistracted from operating the motorcycle. Furthermore, with regard tothe functions of the multifunctional device to be selected, highflexibility is to be provided.

The motorcycle according to the invention comprises a display unit,using which information on the driving state and on operating parametersof the motorcycle are represented. Usually, this is a display unit witha LCD or OLED display known per se in the state of the art, for examplea so-called TFT display (thin-film transistor display). Perceivable,however, are also other types of display units, such as with an at leastpartially analogous display. Represented on the display unit isinformation such as the current driving speed, the speed of the engine,the kilometre reading of the motorcycle, the air temperature, but alsosafety-relevant information, for example related to critical systemconditions of the motorcycle (mostly in the form of warning or indicatorlights).

The display unit is controlled with an operating unit, wherein controlcommands for controlling the display unit can be generated. Thus, forexample, using switches included in the operating unit, whichinformation is represented can be selected. It is also possible for theoperator to undertake various settings at the motorcycle, for exampleconcerning the set-up of the motorcycle, wherein the various possiblesettings are represented by the display unit and selected via theoperating unit. In any case, e.g., upon actuating a switch of theoperating unit, control commands for controlling the display unit aregenerated.

Furthermore, the set according to the invention includes amultifunctional device with a screen, which is releasably attachable ina holder. In that, the holder is arranged in the area of the cockpit,and preferably in the proximity of the display unit, so that the ridercan keep an eye on the display unit as well as the screen of themultifunctional device. On the multifunctional device, an applicationcan be installed, using which further applications installed on themultifunctional device can be opened. These further applications can berepresented on the screen in the form of pictograms.

Using a control unit, control commands for controlling the applicationcan be transmitted to the multifunctional device. In particular, thesecontrol commands can serve selecting to open the application chosen bythe rider, and subsequently controlling this application.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the multifunctional deviceis designed as a smartphone. The applications usually installed on asmartphone are way too numerous to be operated while riding amotorcycle. In addition, the vast majority of these applications have norelevance for a motorcycle ride. Therefore, the application providedaccording to the invention can first serve displaying a selection ofapplications relevant for a motorcycle ride on the screen of thesmartphone. Subsequently, the application according to the invention isused to select one of the further applications and to control it viacontrol commands of the control unit.

In general, the further applications, which can be opened with theapplication according to the invention, can be, for example, anapplication with a music function, an application with a navigationfunction, an application with a telephone function, an application witha messaging function, an application for operating a camera, anapplication for displaying or audio playback of weather information, anapplication for displaying or audio playback of news and the like.

According to the invention, the control commands for controlling theapplication and the further applications, which can be opened by theapplication, can be generated by the operating unit. In other words, theoperating unit, using which the display unit is controlled, is also usedfor controlling the multifunctional device via the application installedthereon. In order to select, whether the display unit or themultifunctional device is controlled, a switching device for switchingbetween controlling of the display unit and controlling of themultifunctional device is provided.

For that, a computer program is provided which monitors the switchingdevice and, upon actuation of the switching device, switches from thatoperating mode, in which control commands for the display unit aregenerated by actuating the operating unit, to that operating mode, inwhich control commands for the multifunctional device are generated byactuating the operating unit, and vice versa.

The operating unit includes actuating elements, preferably in the formof rotary, push, or toggle switches. The operating unit is controlledusing these actuating elements, for example, for selecting theinformation to be represented or the concrete type of representation ofthe display unit, or for undertaking settings at the motorcycle on thebasis of a selection represented by the display unit. The actuatingelements can also be used for controlling the multifunctional device,once the switching device has been actuated. Thereby, it is possible tocontrol the multifunctional device without overly distracting the rider.With the installable application and the further applications, highflexibility is provided. In particular, further applications, which canbe opened, can be subsequently added or the existing applicationsextended.

While the display unit mostly does not obtain an update of its operatingsoftware over the entire lifecycle of the motorcycle, with amultifunctional device, in particular in the form of a smartphone,updates of the operating software and the installed applications can beinstalled at regular intervals. In addition, releasably attachablemultifunctional devices can be renewed even after a shorter period,whereby the hardware of the multifunctional device, too, is kept up todate.

Which operating mode is currently active is displayed by the displayunit and/or on the screen of the multifunctional device. In other words,whether the operating unit is currently set for controlling the displayunit or for controlling the multifunctional device can be displayed. Itcan, however, also be specified to provide a separate warning light atthe operating unit for this purpose.

Thus, via the common operating unit, which, for example, comprisescommercially available switches for controlling the display unit,control commands can be send to the display unit as well as to themultifunctional device. No additional operating units at the handlebarare necessary. Beside actuating elements for controlling the displayunit and controlling the multifunctional device, the operating unititself can include further actuating elements, for example, to actuatethe direction indicators or a horn.

The application according to the invention on the multifunctional deviceis the interface between the motorcycle, its rider, and themultifunctional device. Using this application, the functions of themultifunctional device can be operated. Thus, the application, usingwhich the further installed applications can be opened, serves as aninterface application.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the operating unit isdesigned as a grip switch at the handlebar of the motorcycle. With agrip switch, the actuating elements can be actuated using the thumb orother fingers, without having to take the hand off the handlebar. Thus,via the applications, which can be opened, those functions usedparticularly often can be operated without any risk while driving.

Independent of the operation of the multifunctional device via theapplication according to the invention, the screen of themultifunctional device can be provided as a touchscreen and thus allowmore complicated operating steps via the touchscreen while standing. Forexample, these may be general settings of the applications, such as,e.g., view settings or settings with regard to voice output. Inaddition, for an application with a navigation function, it can bespecified to pre-define navigation targets via the touchscreen of themultifunctional device, for example for a longer motorcycle tour. For anapplication with a telephone function, contacts can be pre-defined viathe touchscreen. For an application with a messaging function, messagesor text blocks can be pre-defined. For an application with a musicfunction (music player), playlists can be compiled.

The operating unit can comprise actuating elements in the form of arrowkeys and/or in the form of a multi-way switch, preferably a four-,five-, or six-way switch.

The switching device can be a separate actuating element, preferably inthe form of a switch, on the operating unit. It is, however, alsopossible that a special actuation of an actuating element with furtherfunctions actuates the switching device. This, e.g., can be longpressing of the actuating element.

In a preferred embodiment, the motorcycle has a sending unit, usingwhich the control commands for controlling the application as well asthe control commands for controlling the further applications, which canbe opened by the application, can be wirelessly transmitted to themultifunctional device. In that, the sending unit can be designed forsending radio commands, in particular according to the Bluetooth®standard. For example, the Bluetooth® Classic Standard HID profile isused for the transmission.

Wireless transmission provides for particularly high flexibility,especially since no fixedly predetermined wirelines are required in orat the motorcycle. Upon using standardized radio commands, for exampleaccording to the very widespread Bluetooth® standard, most differentmultifunctional devices can be coupled to the motorcycle, independent ofwhich type of plug the multifunctional device has for connecting with awireline. The sending unit itself can be directly integrated in theoperating unit. It can, however, also be possible to arrange the sendingunit in the display unit. In this case, the control commands for themultifunctional device generated by the operating unit are transmittedto the sending unit via a wireline.

Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a special communicationsunit, which is connected with the operating unit and/or with the displayunit via an electrical line, in particular via a bus line. In that, thesending unit for transmitting the control commands can be arranged inthis communications unit.

The sending unit can also be arranged between the operating unit and thedisplay unit. In this case, the sending unit intercepts control commandsof the operating unit and, depending on the operating mode, eitherpasses them on to the display unit or to the multifunctional device. Thesending unit acts as an interface enabling wireless communication to themultifunctional device. The sending unit can, for example, comprise amicrocontroller with a Bluetooth® module, which are embedded on acircuit board in the form of a so-called embedded system. For thisarrangement, the sending unit is wired with the operating unit and thedisplay unit.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the control unit and/or thesending unit can transmit information on the driving state and/or onoperating parameters of the motorcycle to the multifunctional device,preferably in a wireless manner. In this case, the application accordingto the invention or one of the further applications, which can be openedby the application according to the invention, is designed tographically represent this information on the driving state and/or onthe operating parameters. In that, it can be selected using theoperating unit, which information is represented on the screen of themultifunctional device. The screen of the multifunctional device acts asan additional screen to the display unit. This has the advantage thatmore information can be displayed for the motorcyclist.

Preferably, at least one of the further applications, which can beopened by the application, has a navigation function. While the displayunit displays information on the operating state of the motorcycle, inthis case, the screen of the multifunctional device representsinformation on the driving state dependent on the current location. Thenavigation function can have the common functionality of navigationdevices known per se in the state of the art, in particular turn-by-turnnavigation. Upon controlling with the operating unit, however, it can beprovided to only offer reduced functionality, for example, such thatonly pre-defined navigation targets can be selected.

The multifunctional device has a receiving unit for wirelesslytransmittable control commands, using which these control commands canbe received. These can be, for example, so-called Bluetooth® listeners.The control commands received are then transmitted to or read out by theapplication according to the invention and/or the further applications,which can be opened by the application according to the invention. Inaddition, or alternatively thereto, the multifunctional device can havea receiving device, which is designed to receive control commandsgenerated and transmitted by an external device. The receiving devicecan be the receiving unit, which receives the control commandstransmitted by the sending unit. It can, however, also be a separatedevice. With the receiving device, it is possible to control themultifunctional device using an external device. For example, this canbe a headset, preferably installed in the helmet. This includes a devicewhich generates control commands for the multifunctional device fromvoice commands and sends them to the multifunctional device. Forexample, via the voice input at the headset, a contact saved on themultifunctional device can be searched, and optionally also a call canbe started. A further example is the selection of a navigation targetvia voice input. Possible examples of voice commands are, e.g., “Openmap” or “Navigate to . . . ”. The application can also be controlledusing voice input. In that, the receiving device can be activated onlyafter actuation of an actuating element of the operating unit or onlyduring actuation of an actuating element of the operating unit.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the multifunctional deviceincludes a sending device, using which control commands can bewirelessly transmitted to one or several external devices. In that, thecontrol commands are generated by the application according to theinvention and the further applications, which can be opened by theapplication according to the invention. The wirelessly transmittablecontrol commands can be radio commands, preferably according to theBluetooth® standard. The external devices can be, for example, a camera,a smartwatch and/or a headset. In that, the camera, the smartwatch, orthe headset can be activated using the control commands. Generation ofthe control commands can be activated by an input at the operating unit,using which the applications installed on the multifunctional device arecontrolled. For controlling the external device, at least one of thefurther applications, which can be opened by the application, has acontrol function for the external device.

The sending device, however, can also be designed to transmit data to anexternal device. Thus, for example, music stored on the multifunctionaldevice or received from the multifunctional device can be transmitted toa headset.

The sending device can also be designed to return data to themotorcycle, e.g., to a communications unit installed in the motorcycle.This data can then, for example, be displayed on the display unit. Inaddition, or alternatively thereto, the sending device, however, canalso be designed to transmit control commands to the motorcycle. Inthat, these control commands can be generated by one of the furtherapplications, which can be opened by the application. Thus, for example,in case of rain being forecast, an application with a weather functioncan alter various settings of the motorcycle, such as, e.g., set the ABSmore sensitive or regulate the engine down upon reaching a certainspeed. The sending device can also be designed to pass on controlcommands received by the receiving device, which were generated andtransmitted by an external device, to the motorcycle control. Forexample, voice commands “Indicator left” or “High beam on” can be inputvia a headset and passed on to the motorcycle control via the sendingdevice. This then executes these commands, so that, e.g., the directionindicator to the left is activated or the high beam is switched on.

In a further embodiment, the holder includes a device for charging themultifunctional device. This can be an inductive or a cable-boundcharging device. The charging device can be connected with the batteryof the motorcycle. Thus, it is possible to charge the multifunctionaldevice while driving, so that it can still be used after the ride.

In order to enable the above functionality, the invention furthermorerelates to a computer program product for operating a motorcycle. Thecomputer program product comprises commands, which upon execution of theprogram by a computer cause the same to

-   -   operate the operating unit of the motorcycle in two operating        modes, wherein, in one operating mode, upon actuation of the        operating unit, control commands for controlling a display unit        for representing information on the driving state and on        operating parameters of the motorcycle are generated, while in        the other operating mode, upon actuation of the operating unit,        control commands for controlling an application installed on a        multifunctional device as well as further applications installed        on the multifunctional device, which can be opened by the        application, are generated and transmitted to the        multifunctional device, preferably in a wireless manner, and    -   monitor a switching device for actuation and switch the        operating mode upon actuation of the switching device.

The invention furthermore relates to a data carrier signal transferringsuch a computer program product, a computer-readable data carrier, onwhich such a computer program product is stored, and a motorcycle with acomputer-readable data carrier, on which such a computer program productis stored. By means of a charging device, it is avoided that themultifunctional device is no longer available during the ride due toconsumption of the battery.

In order to enable the above functionality, the invention furthermorerelates to a computer program product for operating a multifunctionaldevice as described above. The computer program product comprisescommands, which, upon execution of the program by a multifunctionaldevice, cause the same to accept control commands generated by theoperating unit of a motorcycle as described above and to open andcontrol applications installed on the multifunctional device. Thiscomputer program product is the application, using which furtherapplications installed on the multifunctional device can be openedand/or controlled.

The invention furthermore relates to a data carrier signal transferringsuch a computer program product, a computer-readable data carrier, onwhich such a computer program product is stored, and a multifunctionaldevice with a computer-readable data carrier, on which such a computerprogram product is stored.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, further details and advantages of the presentinvention are explained in more detail based on the description withreference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a representation of an operating unit with an additionaloperating unit according to the state of the art,

FIG. 2 illustrates an operating unit according to the invention,

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 4a, 4b are two schematic representations of further embodiments ofthe invention,

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation for a further embodiment of theinvention,

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a holder, and

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a multifunctional devicearranged in the holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a motorcycle 10 of the state of the art, where twooperating units 1, 1′ are attached to the handlebar 11, in aperspective, schematic representation. The display unit 3 includes theinstruments, using which information on the driving state, such as,e.g., velocity, speed of the engine, outside temperature, temperature ofthe cooling fluid, daily kilometres, etc., can be represented. Thedisplay unit 3 is controlled via the operating unit 1, which for thispurpose has actuating elements in the form of push switches. Furtherswitches arranged on the operating unit 1 serve, e.g., activating anddeactivating of the direction indicators or actuating of a horn.

An additional operating unit 1′ is arranged adjacent to the operatingunit 1 and serves controlling of a multifunctional device 2 in the formof a smartphone attached in a holder 12. This can be a subsequentlyattached holder. By operating the operating unit 1 as well as theadditional operating unit 1′, the rider of the motorcycle 10 is undulydistracted from the traffic situation, which represents a high safetyrisk.

FIG. 2 illustrates an operating unit 1 in the form of a grip switchassembled at the handlebar 11. The operating unit 1 comprises a four-wayswitch, which includes two arrow keys 17 a, 17 b. On the right-hand sideof the four-way switch, a selection key is arranged, which also acts asthe switching device 16. On the left-hand side, a backspace key 18 isarranged. Below the four-way switch, there are further push or settingswitches, resp., which contrary to the four-way switch do not servecontrolling of the display unit 3, but, for example, for actuating thehorn or for switching on the high beam.

If the operating unit 1 is in that operating mode, in which the displayunit 3 is controlled by actuating the actuating elements, a controlcommand is generated by actuating the arrow key 17 a, which effectsreturning to the previous menu item on the display unit 3. Actuating thearrow key 17 b effects accessing of the next following menu item of theoperating unit 1. The key 16 a effects selecting of a respective menuitem. Actuating the backspace key 18 effects selecting of the nexthigher menu level. Switching into that mode, in which actuating of theoperating unit 1 generates control commands for the multifunctionaldevice 2, is undertaken by pressing the selection key acting as theswitching device 16 for more than 500 ms.

After actuating the switching device 16, control commands for theapplication are generated, using which the applications 7 installed onthe multifunctional device 2 can be opened. On the one hand, theapplication serves representing of a reduced selection of applications 7by means of pictograms on the screen 14 of the multifunctional device 2and providing them for selection. Using the arrow keys 17 a, 17 b, theapplication switches between the various applications 7, which can beopened. Actuation of the selection key, which upon long pressing servesas a switching device 16, opens a concretely selected application 7.Actuation of the backspace key 18 effects returning to the next highermenu level. Pressing the switching device 16 long again, the operatingmode of the operating unit 1 is switched again, and control commands forcontrolling the display unit 3 are generated.

The keys of the four-way switch can have a second function allocated.Thus, for example, it can be provided that long continuous pressing,i.e., for more than 500 ms, of the key 17 a, opens the application 7with a navigation function. Long actuating of the arrow key 17 b effectsopening of the application 7 with a music function. Long actuating ofthe backspace key 18 effects returning to the main menu, where theapplications 7, which can be opened, are represented by means ofpictograms again.

Based on the example of an application 7 with a music function, it isrepresented, how, using the operating unit 1, control commands forcontrolling the application 7 are generated and transmitted. Actuatingthe arrow key 17 a effects selecting of the previous song, actuating thearrow key 17 b effects selecting of the next song in the selectedplaylist. Briefly actuating the selection key 16 effects stopping of theplayback. Briefly actuating the key again effects continuing theplayback. Actuating the backspace key 18 effects playing back of theselected song again from the start.

The keys of the four-way switch can also have a second functionallocated for controlling the applications 7, which can be opened. Thus,for example, it can be provided that long pressing of the key 17 aincreases the volume of the song being played back. Longer actuating ofthe arrow key 17 b effects reducing of the volume. Longer actuating ofthe backspace key 18 effects returning to the main menu. Longeractuating of the selection key 16, which also acts as a switching device16, effects terminating of the operating mode of the operating unit 1,in which the multifunctional device 2 is controlled.

In this embodiment, the selection key 16 serves as a switching device.It would also be perceivable to provide a separate switch for theswitching device 16 or to provide a select option in the display unit 3in order to activate control of the multifunctional device 2.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in a schematicrepresentation, in which an operating unit 1 comprising a six-way switchcan transmit control commands to a multifunctional device 2 designed asa smartphone via a bus line 9, for example a CAN bus line. Themultifunctional device 2 is arranged in a holder 12. The bus line 9 canbe connected with the multifunctional device 2 via a suitable plug. Itis, however, also possible that the holder 12 includes a sending unit 6,from which the control commands can be wirelessly transmitted to themultifunctional device 2. In this embodiment, this is an NFC sendingunit, which can be used as an alternative to a Bluetooth® module. Themultifunctional device 2 includes a receiving device. Thereby, controlcommands generated by a headset 5, which are transmitted via Bluetooth®,can be received. Thus, the applications 7 can be controlled by means ofvoice commands. The symbol represented next to the symbol for the NFCsending unit indicates that the holder 12 includes an inductive chargingdevice 13.

In the embodiment represented here, the operating unit 1 is designed asa 6-way switch, which is connected with the holder 12, and thus with thesending unit 6, via a CAN bus 9. The 6-way switch includes a controlcrown having left and right keys as well as up and down keys. The pushswitch arranged in the centre of the control crown acts as the switchingdevice 16. The push switch arranged to the left above the control crownacts as the backspace key 18. Next to this switch, a setting switch 19is arranged, which serves adjusting of the cruise control function. Atoggle switch is arranged in the rear upper area, which serves switchingon and off of the high beam. Below the control crown, a setting switchfor the direction indicators is arranged. Below this setting switch, apush switch for the horn is arranged. On the left-hand side, two furtherpush switches are arranged, which, for example, serve switching on andoff of the cruise control function.

FIG. 4a illustrates a further embodiment of the invention in a schematicrepresentation. In that, the operating unit 1 is connected with asending unit 6 via a wireline 8. In turn, the sending unit 6 isconnected with the display unit 3 via a wireline 8. The sending unit 6includes a microcontroller and a Bluetooth® module, using which controlcommands generated by the operating unit 1 can be transmitted to amultifunctional device 2 via Bluetooth®.

The multifunctional device 2 is likewise coupled to a headset 5 viaBluetooth®. In that, the multifunctional device 2 includes a sendingdevice, using which control commands as well as data can be transmittedto the headset 5. Simultaneously, the multifunctional device 2 alsoincludes a receiving device, using which control commands from theheadset 5 can be received for controlling the installed applications 7.

FIG. 4b illustrates a further embodiment of the invention in a schematicrepresentation. This embodiment differs from the embodiment shown inFIG. 4a by the sending unit 6 being an integral component of the displayunit 3.

The computer program product according to the invention, using which theoperating modes are switched, is stored on a computer-readable storagemedium in the motorcycle, e.g., in the control unit, the sending unit,the communications unit, the display unit, or directly in the operatingunit.

FIG. 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention in a schematicrepresentation. The operating unit 1 is again connected with the displayunit 3 by means of a wireline 8. Via a bus line 9, for example, in theform of a CAN bus line, the display unit 3 is connected with acommunications unit 15. The communications unit 15 serves communicatingwith various components of the motorcycle 10. In particular, thecommunications unit 15 includes a sending unit 6, from which controlcommands can be wirelessly transmitted, preferably according to theBluetooth® standard, to the multifunctional device 2. Themultifunctional device 2 includes a sending device, using which dataand/or control commands can be wirelessly transmitted, again preferablyaccording to the Bluetooth® standard, to external devices 4, such as,e.g., a smartwatch or a camera or a headset 5. Furthermore, the sendingdevice can also transmit data, for example songs, to the externaldevices 4, in particular to the headset 5.

Furthermore, the multifunctional device 2 includes a receiving device,which can receive data and/or control commands from the external devices4 and/or from the headset 5.

FIG. 6 illustrates the holder 12, which in this case is designed forreceiving a smartphone. The holder 12 includes an inductive chargingdevice 13, consisting of a charging cradle and a charging cableconnected thereto, which is connected with the power supply of themotorcycle 10.

FIG. 7 illustrates a representation of a multifunctional device 2 in theform of a smartphone arranged in a holder 12. Represented is the screen14 with the pictograms for the further applications 7, which can beopened by the application according to the invention. As an example,some applications 7 shall be mentioned here, which can be operated viathe operating unit 1 while riding.

An application 7, which can be opened, includes a navigation function.This can be, for example, the application Google® Maps, especiallypopular with drivers, because it is well-structured and easy to operate,and additionally offers excellent real-time traffic information. Inthat, it can be provided that not the entire functionality of thisapplication is being offered, but a reduced functionality adapted tooperation during the ride. The Google® Maps application furthermoreoffers a comprehensive interface, using which route guidance fromanother application, in particular from the application according to theinvention (interface application), can be started. In addition,navigation targets can be searched, and locations in the vicinity, suchas, e.g., petrol stations, offered.

A further application 7, which can be opened, which can be controlled bythe operating unit 1, includes a music function. This can, for example,be a music player accessing songs stored on the multifunctional device2. However, it can also be a streaming service provider.

A further application 7, which can be opened by the applicationaccording to the invention, includes a messaging function. It can beused to receive or send messages. This application 7 can be controlledvia wirelessly received voice commands from a headset 5. In addition,messages received can be converted into audio by the multifunctionaldevice 2 and transmitted to a headset 5.

A further application 7 includes a telephone function. Phone calls canbe made, again, via a headset 5. In that, persons to be called can beselected from a contacts list via the headset 5 and/or via the operatingunit 1.

A further application 7, which can be opened by the applicationaccording to the invention, includes a weather function. Selecting thisapplication 7 provides a weather forecast, possibly issued as audio,wherein the application 7 can fall back on location data.

Furthermore, an application 7 can be opened and controlled, whichactivates an external camera, which, for example, is assembled at thehelmet or at the motorcycle 10.

A further application 7, which can be opened and controlled, representsinformation on the driving state and/or on operating parameters of themotorcycle 10. Upon failure of this application 7, the screen 14 of themultifunctional device 2 serves as an additional screen besides thedisplay unit 3.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   1 Operating unit-   2 Multifunctional device-   3 Display unit-   4 External device-   5 Headset-   6 Sending unit-   7 Applications, which can be opened-   8 Wireline-   9 Bus line-   10 Motorcycle-   11 Handlebar-   12 Holder-   13 Charging device-   14 Screen-   15 Communications unit-   16 Switching device-   17 a, 17 b Arrow keys-   18 Backspace key-   19 Setting switch

1. A motorcycle, comprising a display unit for representing informationon the driving state and on operating parameters of the motorcycle, anoperating unit, which may generate control commands for controlling thedisplay unit, a multifunctional device, releasably attachable in aholder, comprising a screen, wherein an application can be installed onthe multifunctional device, using which further applications installedon the multifunctional device can be opened, wherein the selection offurther applications, which can be opened by the application, can berepresented on the screen in the form of pictograms, a control unit,using which control commands for controlling the application and thefurther applications, which can be opened by the application, can betransmitted to the multifunctional device, wherein the control commandsfor controlling the application and the further applications, which canbe opened by the application, can be generated by the operating unit,wherein a switching device for switching between control of the displayunit and control of the multifunctional device is provided.
 2. Themotorcycle according to claim 1, wherein the operating unit is designedas a grip switch at the handlebar.
 3. The motorcycle according to claim1, wherein the switching device is designed as an actuating element,preferably as a switch, of the operating unit.
 4. The motorcycleaccording to claim 1, wherein a sending unit is provided, using whichthe control commands for controlling the application and the furtherapplications, which can be opened by the application, can be wirelesslytransmitted to the multifunctional device.
 5. The motorcycle accordingclaim 4, wherein the sending unit is designed to send radio commands, inparticular according to the Bluetooth® standard.
 6. The motorcycleaccording to claim 1, wherein the control unit and/or the sending unitcan transmit information on the driving state and/or on operatingparameters of the motorcycle to the multifunctional device, preferablyin a wireless manner.
 7. The motorcycle according to claim 6, whereinthe information on the driving state and on operating parameters of themotorcycle can be represented on the screen of the multifunctionaldevice.
 8. The motorcycle according to claim 7, wherein at least one ofthe further applications, which can be opened by the application, has anavigation function.
 9. The motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein themultifunctional device is designed as a smartphone.
 10. The motorcycleaccording to claim 1, wherein the operating unit comprises arrow keysand/or a multi-way switch, preferably a four-, five-, or six-way switch.11. The motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein the multifunctionaldevice has a receiving device, which may receive control commands forcontrolling the application and the further applications, which can beopened by the application, which commands are generated and transmittedby an external device.
 12. The motorcycle according to claim 1, whereinat least one of the further applications, which can be opened by theapplication, has a control function for an external device.
 13. Themotorcycle according to claim 12, wherein the multifunctional device hasa sending device, which may wirelessly transmit control commands, whichare generated by the application(s) with a control function for externaldevices, to the external device(s).
 14. The motorcycle according toclaim 13, wherein the sending device is designed for sending radiocommands, in particular according to the Bluetooth® standard.
 15. Themotorcycle according to claim 1, wherein the holder includes a chargingdevice of the multifunctional device.
 16. A computer program product foroperating the motorcycle according to claim 1, comprising commands,which upon execution of the program by a computer cause the computer to:operate the operating unit of the motorcycle in two operating modes,wherein in one operating mode, upon actuation of the operating unit,control commands for controlling a display unit for representinginformation on the driving state and on operating parameters of themotorcycle are generated, while in the other operating mode, uponactuation of the operating unit, control commands for controlling anapplication installed on a multifunctional device as well as furtherapplications installed on the multifunctional device, which can beopened by the application, are generated and transmitted, preferably ina wireless manner, to the multifunctional device, and monitor aswitching device for actuation and, upon actuation of the switchingdevice, switch the operating mode.
 17. The computer program product,comprising commands, which upon execution of the program by amultifunctional device cause the same to accept control commandsgenerated by the operating unit of a motorcycle according to claim 1 andto open and control applications installed on the multifunctionaldevice.
 18. A computer-readable data carrier, on which the computerprogram product according to claim 16 is stored.
 19. A data carriersignal, which transfers the computer program product according to claim16.
 20. A motorcycle with a computer-readable data carrier, on which thecomputer program product according to claim 16 is stored.
 21. Amultifunctional device with a computer-readable data carrier, on whichthe computer program product according to claim 17 is stored.